Sections of A1 to be closed as part of major project

Sections of the A1 in North Yorkshire will be closed over the next two weekends as part of a major project to upgrade the dual carriageway to a three lane motorway between Leeming and Barton.

Contractors for Highways England need to work on the section of the A1 under Fort Bridge this weekend and will demolish Kneeton Hall Bridge the following weekend.

Fort Bridge was demolished last weekend but challenging weather conditions meant contractors were unable to knock down the columns supporting the structure.

As well as the demolition work contractors, will be carrying out preparations to install a temporary contraflow system along a 4 mile section of the A1 between Leeming Bar and Sowerby Hill Farm, which will see vehicles travelling in both directions on the northbound carriageway.

The A1 will be closed from 8pm on Saturday November 21 until 6am on Monday November 23 in both directions between junction 51 (Leeming Bar) and Scotch Corner.

Work will also take place to demolish Kneeton Hall Bridge the following weekend with the A1 closed in both directions between the Scotch Corner junction and junction 56 at Barton from 8pm on Saturday November 28 until 2pm on Sunday November 29.

Highways England assistant project manager Charlotte Wright said: “We do not take the decision to close any major routes lightly but in order to carry out this work safely it is essential we close these sections of the A1.

“This weekend we will be removing the columns that supported Fort Bridge alongside making preparations for a temporary contraflow system. Kneeton Hall Bridge will be demolished the following weekend as part of the major upgrade to this section of the A1.

“There will inevitably be delays at peak times and people should plan their journeys, using the many alternative routes that will be signposted off the A1 closure, and leave extra time to complete their journeys.”

During both closures, clearly signed diversions will be in place and drivers are being advised to allow an extra 30 minutes for their journeys and check the latest traffic conditions before they set off.

When completed, the A1 Leeming to Barton scheme will create a continuous motorway-standard route between London and Newcastle (including the M1 and A1M). It will also improve journey times and increase safety.

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